Wednesday of the
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ephesians 3:2-12; Luke 12:39-48)
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria seems so vile that we
want nothing to do with it. It lops human
heads as if they were water bottle caps.
It seems to abhor Christians as if somehow the humble minority of the
Middle East threatens Islamic hegemony. What could the West have possibly in
common with ISIS?
The answer is Jesus Christ. He transcends nations, cultures, and religions. In the second reading the Pauline writer lauds
Christ for uniting Jew and Greek. He
serves as a bridge between these ancient peoples who have little to do with
each other. Just so, he in time will be
the common ground for Christians and reformed Muslim extremists. All will savor his wisdom, marvel at his
forbearance, and wonder about his resurrection.
For now we have to pray for our enemies. Certainly we cannot wish for ISIS’s
success. But we may hope that despite its
beastliness, the regimen may notice the light of Christ’s love. When they do, they see in us a common
humanity.
